Former South Korean President 'shoulders' all responsibilities for his subordinates

Although still asserting her innocence in the October 16 trial, former South Korean President Park Geun-hye expressed her hope that the court will hold her accountable and show leniency to other civil servants and businessmen involved in her scandal.

Former President Park Geun-hye is escorted to court in Seoul in May. Photo: AFP

In her first trial after her detention was extended, former South Korean President Park Geun-hye said today, October 16, that she was the “victim” of a political revenge plot in the name of the law.

“I hope I will be the last victim of political revenge in the name of the rule of law,” Ms. Park told the court.

The former South Korean president said her six months in detention were “a terrible and painful time” as she had to appear in court four times a week. She also said it was “extremely painful” to see civil servants who worked for her and businessmen who were trying to contribute to the development of the South Korean economy being put on trial.

“I have endured both physical and mental pain with the belief that the truth will be revealed, that I have never used my presidential powers to seek personal gain,” Park said, stressing her innocence.

“I have never accepted or asked for preferential treatment while I was in power. I believe that during the trial, the suspicions related to me have been cleared up and they are not true,” Ms. Park added.

The former president also expressed regret over the Seoul court's decision to extend her detention by six months after her initial term ended. Ms. Park said this was a decision that was difficult for her to accept.

“I have come to the conclusion that it is difficult to believe that the court will resolve this case based solely on the Constitution and conscience, regardless of external political influences and public pressure,” Ms. Park said.

Ms. Choi Soon-sil was escorted to court for trial. Photo: Reuters

However, former President Park said she will never give up the fight and believes the truth will eventually come to light.

“I will bear all the blame of history and all the responsibility in this incident. I hope the court will hold me accountable and be lenient with other civil servants and businessmen,” Ms. Park stressed.

Former President Park Geun-hye was impeached and arrested in March on a series of charges, including bribery and abuse of power. She was accused of colluding with her close friend Choi Soon-sil to receive 43 billion won ($37 million) from major South Korean conglomerates, including Samsung. Park was also criticized for allowing her close friend to interfere in state affairs and exploiting their relationship for personal gain.

In September, prosecutors proposed extending Park’s detention, saying they needed more time to complete the trial process. Park will remain in custody until April 16 next year.

According to Dan Tri